Sunday Encouragement

This morning in the Foundry I had the opportunity to meet a girl that I had never met before. The interaction was powerful (at least for me) and I was SO blessed when reflecting on our conversation. The conversation went something like this.
"Hi, I'm Julie. I don't think we've met. "
"Hi. I'm Michelle." (not her real name)
"So how long have you been coming to the Foundry?"
"This is my third week."
"Great! Have you been able to go to any of the Bible Studies on Friday nights?"
"Yes, I've gone to Epoch two times now." (This is a 'no fluff' girl, and I appreciate that so much.)
"How has that been?"
"Oh, it's been nice. The people are REALLY nice. Like, so nice that it's kind of creepy." I could tell she had a dry sense of humor, and I laughed out loud. I totally know what she means, and I'm so thankful that I could relate.
"I know what you mean! When I first went to my Christian College (TMC!) I met all of these REALLY nice people and I was suspicious of them for a long time. I was waiting for something to happen when they would blow their cover or something. But that didn't happen, nor do I think that will happen here. I'm sure that over time you will find that these people really do care for you."
"I've just never known anyone to be that nice unless they want something from me."
"I know what you mean, but I've been around here and know that this body of believers has a genuine care and concern for one another."

The conversation branched into a couple of other areas, but this was the part that was SO exciting for me! Remembering back to when I was a new believer and people were so nice to me when they had no reason to be (surrounded by believers in my college dorm), and how I was suspicious of them for a long time, yet so drawn to them...wow.
I've now lived with these people (God-fearing, loving people) around me for so long, that I sort of forgot what it was like to be around those other kinds of people!
This stimulated my thinking into one other related area that I want to share about. I've struggled on occasion with an aspect of relational evangelism, and something profound clicked in my head today. Tell me if you can relate.
So, we're supposed to care for non-believers, showing them the love of Christ, while expecting nothing in return (making people suspicious). When it comes to answering the question that potentially exists in their minds- "why does this person care about me?" I've struggled with the answer. I think I know- we care for them because it reflects Christ, and may open an opportunity for the gospel, and it just pleases the Lord. But how would we answer that question were they to ask us? (Not that they would, but hypothetically) Would we say that it's because we really like them (which may not be altogether true of, say, an unbelieving mean boss)? I think they may not appreciate that since they may see through it. What if we were to say that it's because our God wants us to care for them? Would that offend them since that may make it seem like we're doing it out of obligation to our God, and they're just a tool for us to use to please our God? Maybe I'm overthinking it.
Anyway, this morning something struck me during Pastor John's message. We care for people in general, believers and non-believers. We show love and concern to people, deserving or undeserving. This honors the Lord. If they're confused or suspicious, and have nothing to attribute our kindness to (this is what hit me this morning), I think they're thoughts would be directed to something supernatural. Most people haven't experienced this kind of unconditional, loving concern for them, and would have to eventually (when they realize it's not for selfish gain) turn their thoughts to God, and at this point, who would they go to for answers? It is likely that they would go to the person or people who have shown this love to them! How exciting is that?
Church this morning was AWESOME. Kurt's preaching was great (yes, I am biased, but I can also be critical) and really compelling. And no one has to say anything about pastor John's preaching. But I will anyway-it was also awesome and moving. I am so blessed.